Since its founding in 1920, the ACLU has held steadfast to the singularly important goal of holding America and American lawmakers accountable to the values set forth in our US Constitution. Jeffrey Johnson, Peoria, IL

ACLU speakers crisscross the state each year, discussing civil liberties issues relevant to America at schools and universities, houses of worship, community centers and other venues.

In 2004, for example, ACLU of Illinois speakers discussed the impact of post-9/11 Bush Administration policies and how they infringed on our Constitutional rights at hundreds of venues. This year, ACLU speakers have discussed the details of Illinois’ new civil unions law, abolition of the death penalty, reproductive rights and sexual health education in Illinois and our legal work on behalf of people with disabilities. We also regularly discuss other topics such as ACLU cases, legislative battles and initiatives, the history of our organization and the fight to extend fairness to all Americans.

Who We AreWe are a non-profit, non-partisan organization, dedicated to protecting freedom, liberty, equality and justice for all within the United States. With a membership of more than 23,000 across Illinois - a total of more than 550,000 across the nation - the ACLU accomplishes its goals through litigation, lobbying and education programs.